Symbols of horror - Sound imaging - Philipp Dangas

General information on sound symbolism  [ 3/4 ]

The moment of insight is still essential for the concept of a symbol. The musical sign for which a symbol stands must be understood and set as such by the composer. There must be an intention.

One can only speak of symbolism if such an intention becomes visible or audible. Personal ideas from the listener or the translator must not be brought into the work. The task and challenge is to get to the bottom of the meaning. Of course, the work is for the composer, not for the translator or for the listener.

Sound symbolism in the context of „symphonic world music“

The use of symbols means the possibility of conveying plastic auditory imagery. symbols such as B. recurring motifs, rhythms, chords, chord sequences or timbres that stand for a specific but not immediately recognizable meaning.

Parallel to the expansion of the sound space, it is possible to reach a higher level of the musician's life. As a result, our music moves away from stylistic idioms and stereotypical formulas. It acquires a higher level and thus the claim to be serious music.

General information about symbols of horror

In the symbol z. B. an imagined state or an imagined property (sound) represented visually. There are different types, such as B. that of sound symbolism. It is the ability to symbolically represent an extra-musical meaning in sound. [ To the article “General information on sound symbolism”.   ] Let us now see the instruments and their semantics in relation to the possibility of sound-image representation.

Let's start with the String instruments mute. It is often associated with darkness and gloom. Definitely to be understood as symbols of horror. He achieves the best effect when the tempo is designed accordingly. Corresponding to the muted tones, of course. Slowly and the volume very low ppp [Italian: piano pianissimo = "as low as possible"] - pp [Italian: pianissimo = "very low"].

The mute can also have a deeper meaning in wind instruments. Especially on the muted trumpet when played loudly. With forced dynamics, the sound character of the muted tones changes significantly. He takes on almost "distorted" features. Combined with the muted sounds of a double horn, the sound produced is very close to the place of damnation.

The semantics of the damper also depend on the dynamics. Quietly performed tones tend to characterize mourning and loudly performed tones, on the other hand, are characterized by terror or horror. The semantics of the muted tones show parallels to the muted ones. They can also appear ambiguous. Depending on the volume, the semantics of the muted tones can range from cruelty to silent sadness.

The Bartók pizzicato represents a special timbre. Accordingly, the dynamic indications (fff [Italian: Forte Fortissimo = "as loud as possible"] The effect that can be achieved is very similar to the symbol of horror.

P.S. In the Bartók pizzicato, the strings are played so hard that they hit the wood.